Cescon Barrieu > Sao Paulo, Brazil > Firm Profile

Cescon Barrieu > The Legal 500 Rankings

Brazil > Banking and finance

Cescon Barrieu is a top choice for transactional and regulatory banking and finance matters, where it offers a comprehensive range of expertise. Showcasing an impressive track record in cross-border financings, including advice on high-value public sector loans, the firm is regularly engaged by borrowers and lenders in large-cap acquisition and structured financings, refinancings and trade finance agreements. The group’s regulatory expertise also makes it a popular destination for fintech and payments-related advice. Based in Rio de Janeiro, Maurício Teixeira dos Santos is a key contact for major banks, corporates, funds and multilateral agencies. In São Paulo, Alexandre Gossn Barreto leads on regulatory matters, while Daniel Laudisio is particularly active on the transactional side. Ana Paula Calil is no longer at the firm. Alexandre Vargas stands out at the associate level.

Brazil > Capital markets Tier 1

Cescon Barrieu possesses a market-leading capital markets practice that offers a comprehensive service across various product types, encompassing equity, debt, and securitisations. The team has lawyers spread throughout its Brazilian network capable of representing issuers and underwriters, including major domestic and international financial institutions and corporates from across a wide range of sectors. The firm is well versed in cross-border deals, and has played a prominent role on some of the largest transactions to hit the debt capital markets. Alexandre Gossn Barreto, who is active in local and international DCM deals and securitisations, and Daniel Laudisio, who manages a diverse workload featuring equity and debt transactions, jointly lead the department. Up-and-coming partners include Eduardo Kuhlmann Abrantes, Mariana Borges, and the recently promoted Marcelo Moura. Joaquim De Oliveira is no longer at the firm. Vitor Henrique Pagani Arantes, the former head of Mello Torres' banking and finance practice, joined the firm in May 2023.

City focus - Belo Horizonte > Natural resources and regulation Tier 1

One of the first ports of call in Belo Horizonte for major mining clients, the team at Cescon Barrieu stands out for its extensive experience in financing transactions in this space. On the transactional front, the firm also fields strong credentials in M&A deals and joint ventures; crisis management, judicial litigation and administrative disputes also feature on the workload. Marcelo Mendo Gomes De Souza specialises in mining, regulatory and environmental matters, while Frederico Viana Rodrigues is a key contact for project finance and corporate transactions. Paula Azevedo De Castro and Maurício Pellegrino De Souza are other key individuals, who regularly assist mining clients.

City focus - Salvador > Leading firms Tier 1

A popular ‘choice for sell-side M&A‘, Cescon Barrieu combines ‘the strength of a firm with national reach and a strong local presence in Salvador‘. Besides its strong capabilities in business transactions, the Salvador-based team is often instructed by multinationals, domestic corporations, investment funds, financial institutions and entrepreneurs in high-end deals involving the infrastructure and real estate sectors. Commercial arbitrations and cross-border litigation also feature on the group’s portfolio, which is managed by Gabriel Seijo Leal de Figueiredo; he possesses longstanding experience in multijurisdictional deals, contractual matters and corporate litigation. Senior associate Marcos Flávio Lago Lopes is active in proceedings before judicial and arbitral tribunals, while Vicente Coni Jr. handles real estate-related matters.

Brazil > Corporate and M&A: High-end Tier 1

Combining regulatory, transactional and multijurisdictional capabilities, Cescon Barrieu houses an ‘extremely agile and committed’ corporate and M&A practice which is well positioned to handle a significant volume of large-cap deals on behalf of major public corporations, privately-held companies and financial institutions. Working in close collaboration with antitrust, tax, labour and securities experts, the team is active in an array of sectors, including telecoms, IT, consumer goods and energy – the latter being an area of particular strength. Maria Cristina Cescon, who is highly regarded for representing financial institutions, corporations and private equity funds in investment matters and high-value M&A, and Marcos Flesch, a name to note for joint ventures, restructurings and corporate governance, co-head the group. Tech companies, PE funds and financial services conglomerates regularly turn to Ronald Herscovici for advice on leveraged acquisitions, tender offers and M&A. Cristina de Freitas Bueno (who has a strong background in investment banking), Darkson Delmondes Galvão and Ana Carolina Castro Reis Passos are all experienced across the full range of corporate transactions; and Luciana De Castro Mares Torres is a key contact for energy, retail and agribusiness clients. Corporate governance and public M&A are among Fernanda Montorfano Gibson’s areas of expertise, while Eduardo Lanna is particularly recommended for his performance in power deals. Other individuals of note include Vitor Stern, Manoela Miranda (who is regularly instructed by clients from the pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, retail, and food and beverages sectors), and senior associate Isabel Trigueros. Matheus Fernandes was raised to the partnership in November 2022.

Energy and natural resources > Mining Tier 1

Rated as one of the top mining and metals practices in the country, Cescon Barrieu is singled out for its ‘deep knowledge of the sector‘, which makes it well placed to advise on the full array of mandates, ranging from consequential M&A and financing deals to administrative and judicial proceedings. The Belo Horizonte-based team is the first port of call for some of the largest mining companies operating in Brazil and several financial institutions. Crisis management matters and tailing dams-related regulatory issues are other core areas of focus. With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, Marcelo Mendo Gomes De Souza is a reference in the mining market. He oversees the practice with regulatory and transactional expert Maurício Pellegrino De Souza, whose previous in-house and academic experience is noteworthy; Paula Azevedo De Castro, who is regularly instructed by key mining players in relation to mining dam regulations; and Daniel Ribeiro Pettersen, a contact for real estate and mining contractual matters. Senior associate João Raso regularly works on tax issues and mining assets transactions.

City focus - Belo Horizonte > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2

Praised for its ‘enormous capacity to understand client problems and provide practical and customised solutions‘, Cescon Barrieu‘s corporate team has particular strength advising clients from the automative, mining, energy and real estate sectors on financial restructurings, corporate governance, IPOs, and M&A, as well as drafting commercial contracts. The group’s national capabilites are strengthened by its close collaboration with the firm’s other offices situated across Brazil. Practice head Frederico Viana Rodrigues is highlighted for his strong performance in capital markets deals, corporate governance and M&A. Partners Alice Brandão and Júlia Lobo focus on capital markets and M&A, and Marcelo Augusto Amim Correia is the name to note at the associate level. Associate Pedro Campos Vasconcellos left the firm in August 2022.

City focus - Brasilia > Government relations Tier 2

The Brasília-based government relations team at Cescon Barrieu provides public policy and legislative advice to NGOs, charities and international clients seeking the establishment of communication channels with government departments and regulatory agencies. Bringing together expertise in antitrust, regulatory, compliance and litigation, the team is frequently present in topical discussions before the federal government and the National Congress, including policies serving minority groups and the public interest. With interdisciplinary knowledge of anti-corruption, compliance and government relations, Luciano Inácio de Souza is recommended for his experience in mandates involving interactions between the public and private sectors.

Brazil > Competition and antitrust Tier 2

Noted for its expertise in merger filings before CADE, including fast-track proceedings, Cescon Barrieu attracts instructions from a variety of clients, showcasing particular strength in merger control work within the pharmaceutical industry. The team is also experienced in investigations into alleged anti-competitive behaviour, including cartel formation and abuse of dominant position. Co-head Joyce Midori Honda excels in administrative proceedings, demonstrating a strong track record in the negotiation of leniency agreements and settlements with the antitrust authority. Fellow co-leader Ricardo Lara Gaillard acts for companies, investment funds and individuals in interactions with CADE. Thales Lemos, who was promoted to senior associate in November 2022, is also active in the practice.

Energy and natural resources > Hydrocarbons Tier 2

At Cescon Barrieu, the oil and gas team is well versed in big-ticket, sector-specific transactions, including M&A, project development, capital markets and financings. The lattermost area is a key strength for the department, which is a strong performer in the financing of FPSOs and drilling rigs operating in Brazilian waters. With a strong presence in the natural gas segment, the team is also well placed to act in contractual, regulatory and litigation mandates. Leading the department is Rafael Baleroni, who is regularly retained by foreign clients in Brazilian law matters within the hydrocarbons sector; his expertise encompasses E&P, offshore assets, natural gas and downstream matters ranging from financing to contract negotiation and litigation.

Brazil > Projects and infrastructure Tier 2

Demonstrating the ability to advise on all stages of energy and infrastructure projects, Cescon Barrieu is a popular choice for financiers, concessionaires and energy companies. The firm excels in project finance mandates, and is also well positioned to act in tender processes, M&A, public law matters, and construction and operational contracts. The practice, which has an impressive track record in an array of segments, ranging from transport and sanitation to oil and gas, power and mining, is under the joint leadership of Maurício Teixeira dos Santos and Rafael Baleroni in Rio de Janeiro. Teixeira dos Santos is regularly instructed by banks, investment funds and multilateral agencies in transactions in the energy and transport segments, while Baleroni has notable strength in the financing and development of oil and gas and renewable projects. Based in the São Paulo office, Mario Saadi oversees the public law department, and is a key contact for project development. Showcasing in-depth knowledge of the power sector, Alexandre Leal Ribeiro Leite routinely assists in development and financing matters, M&A and tax.

Brazil > Transport: Shipping Tier 2

Standing out for the breadth of its services, Cescon Barrieu‘s offshore, shipping and maritime team is seen with great regularity advising on high-end financing transactions and regulatory issues. Dry shipping contractual matters, including shipbuilding and charter agreements, are core areas of activity for the firm, which is also skilled in assisting offshore drilling contractors in deals with shipyards and oil companies. The multidisciplinary team, which is able to call upon the firm’s strong network of corporate, tax and litigation practitioners, is led by the ‘hands-on, commercial and solution-oriented‘ Rafael Baleroni. Baleroni specialises in project finance, M&A and restructurings, with a special focus on the infrastructure sector.

City focus - Belo Horizonte > Dispute resolution Tier 3

Cescon Barrieu‘s ‘highly technical’ team shines in mining disputes, and counts Vale and Anglo American among its clients. The group has additional experience in litigation involving the forestry, financial and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as commercial arbitration and disputes stemming from M&A transactions. With 'a strong background in litigation', the 'extremely skilled' Luiz Nardy is noted for his expertise in mining and environmental disputes, arbitration and corporate recovery cases. Associates Gabriella Vial and Henrique Moniz specialise in litigation, and have been particularly active in contentious matters involving mining and environmental law.

Brazil > Compliance Tier 3

Bringing together expertise in compliance, antitrust, labour and data protection, the multidisciplinary practice at Cescon Barrieu has considerable experience in the creation of anti-corruption and compliance programmes. The team, which often collaborates with the firm’s M&A specialists, is well positioned to handle due diligence to assess compliance risks in the context of acquisitions and other corporate transactions. On the contentious front, the group acts in litigation and in negotiations with administrative authorities. Dedicated to anti-corruption and money laundering issues, practice head Luciano Inácio De Souza, who is based in Brasília, takes the lead on internal investigations and due diligence exercises. Since publication, former co-head Yuri Sahione has left the firm, while white-collar crime and investigations specialist Filipe Magliarelli joined from KLA Advogados, effective as of January 2024.

Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Arbitration Tier 3

Singled out for its ‘professionalism, knowledge and responsibility‘, Cescon Barrieu‘s arbitration group manages a diverse caseload, which, in addition to disputes arising in the context of M&A and joint ventures, also features matters concerning distribution agreements, construction projects and government contracts. Corporate and shareholder conflicts are a key area of expertise for Carlos David Albuquerque Braga in São Paulo, while Gabriel Seijo Leal de Figueiredo in Salvador focuses on contractual disputes. Based in Belo Horizonte, Luiz Nardy is noted for his experience in mining and environmental cases. Mauricio Fabbri, who handles arbitration and litigation, is another name to note in São Paulo. Senior associates Matheus Carneiro Lima and Rafael Bertão are skilled in both domestic and international proceedings. Edison Freitas, who regularly assists players from the worlds of construction, technology, real estate, banking and infrastructure, and Cinthia de Lamare, who is based in Rio de Janeiro, were welcomed to the partnership in November 2022. The group was strengthened by the arrival of Paulo Macedo Garcia Neto and Mariana Capela Lombardi Moreto from MAMG Advogados in August 2023. Since publication, Helena Abdo has left the firm.

Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Litigation Tier 3

Standing out for its national footprint, Cescon Barrieu is a popular destination for investment funds, public companies, financial institutions and entrepreneurs seeking guidance and representation in high-profile proceedings. Corporate, post-closing M&A and contractual lawsuits are core areas of strength for the group, which has been increasingly active in cases involving succession law, cartels and anti-competitive practices. Renowned litigator Carlos David Albuquerque Braga in São Paulo often acts in complex corporate disputes. Other practitioners in São Paulo include Mauricio Fabbri, who has handled several strategic claims in the digital law space; class actions and public law litigation specialist Edison Freitas; and senior associate Rafael Bertão, who focuses on corporate disputes. Salvador-based partner Gabriel Seijo Leal de Figueiredo is the name to note for proceedings arising out of contractual agreements and M&A. Luiz Nardy in Belo Horizonte possesses in-depth knowledge of mining and environmental contentious matters, and Cinthia de Lamare is a key contact in the Rio de Janeiro office for judicial reorganisations. The team was reinforced in August 2023 by the addition of dispute resolution specialists Mariana Capela Lombardi Moreto and Paulo Macedo Garcia Neto from MAMG Advogados. Since publication, Helena Abdo has left the firm.

Energy and natural resources > Electricity (and renewable energy)

The ‘dedicated and competent team‘ at Cescon Barrieu is regularly engaged by clients from the generation, transmission, distribution and power trading segments, which seek advice on all manner of issues pertaining to the electricity sector, including M&A, capital markets, tax, litigation and regulatory issues. The group is well versed in the development of joint ventures for distributed generation projects, and often handles self-production mandates on both the generator and consumer side. Founding partner Maurício Teixeira dos Santos maintains a comprehensive practice covering the full array of matters that arise in power projects, with a special focus on renewables and energy transmission. He jointly heads the practice with Alexandre Leal Ribeiro Leite, whose ‘deep knowledge of the electricity sector‘ is rated by clients; Leite takes the lead on regulatory work, and is also active in project finance and development. M&A involving power assets is an area of expertise for Eduardo Lanna.

Brazil > Labour and employment Tier 3

Matters concerning the hiring of high-level executives, termination processes, stock option plans and collective bargaining agreements are all core areas of activity for Cescon Barrieu‘s labour and employment practice. On the non-contentious front, the team works collaboratively with M&A and capital markets experts to advise on the labour issues arising in the context of transactions. The group’s litigation capabilities are also noteworthy; it regularly acts for major companies in individual and collective claims, including public civil actions filed by trade unions and the Labour Prosecutor’s Office. Practice head Dario Rabay 'is excellent at solving complex and unusual disputes‘, corporate investigations and executive compensation matters. Viviane de Azevedo Rodrigues, who was promoted to partner in 2023, handles both contentious and advisory mandates. Former co-head Gisela da Silva Freire  left the firm in June 2023.

Brazil > Real estate Tier 3

Cescon Barrieu fields a versatile real estate practice with an impressive track record in complex transactions. This includes advice with a heavy corporate angle, such as deals involving joint ventures and special purpose vehicles, as well as investment funds and capital markets-related matters. Major domestic and international investors and developers turn to the group for assistance in mandates concerning key urban and rural asset classes, including residential, retail, commercial offices, and logistics sites. With extensive experience in real estate transactions and the development of residential and commercial projects, São Paulo-based Marcos Lopes Prado leads the team with Daniel Ribeiro Pettersen in Belo Horizonte. Recently promoted partner Vinicius Martins advises on the purchase and sale of real estate assets, leasing agreements, land use issues and zoning compliance. Ivana Bomfim, who was previously at Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados, joined in October 2023 to co-head the real estate team.

Tax > Tax advisory Tier 3

Cescon Barrieu is home to a ‘highly specialised and up-to-date team’ that is distinguished by its ‘agility’ and ability to ‘bring alternatives and innovative ideas’ for its clients’ tax issues. The firm provides comprehensive expertise in direct and indirect tax matters, and frequently assists with the structuring of strategic M&A deals and infrastructure projects. High-end litigation at the state and federal levels is another core area of activity for the group, which is present in several core industries, such as pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, retail, oil and gas, and education. Founding partner Roberto Barrieu, whose specialisms include tax planning, transactional matters and litigation, is at the helm of the team. On the litigation side, Hugo Barreto Sodre Leal, André Alves de Melo and Rodrigo Bevilaqua are the names to note. Carolina Romanini Miguel stands out for her in-depth knowledge of indirect tax and customs matters, while Rafael Santos is particularly noted for his experience in managing the tax aspects of cross-border M&A, capital markets and project finance transactions. Since publication, Mauricio Barros and a team of two associates have joined from Demarest Advogados, effective as of December 2023.

Tax > Tax litigation Tier 3

Brazil > Venture capital Tier 3

Venture capital funds, corporate ventures and start-ups turn to Cescon Barrieu for assistance throughout all stages of the investment cycle. The firm brings together multidisciplinary teams – specialised in M&A, funds, capital markets, tax and regulatory matters – to advise on the setting up of investment vehicles, early and late-stage funding rounds and divestments. The group is under the joint leadership of a capable trio: Cristina de Freitas Bueno, who advises Brazilian and international players on M&A and VC deals; Alexandre Gossn Barreto, who specialises in financing transactions; and Tania Liberman, a partner focused on technology and IP.

Brazil > Environment Tier 4

Cescon Barrieu is active across a range of sectors where environmental issues are commercially relevant or heavily regulated, including oil and gas, mining, energy, agribusiness, telecoms and real estate. The group, which works closely with the firm’s corporate and M&A department, is routinely retained by local companies, multinationals, investment funds and financial institutions in relation to corporate, financing and capital markets transactions with substantial environmental implications. Advising clients on negotiations with environmental agencies and the Public Attorney’s office is also among the team’s core areas of focus. Based in Belo Horizonte, Marcelo Mendo and Maurício Pellegrino De Souza specialise in mining and environmental mandates. In July 2023, the team was reinforced by the addition of environmental law specialists Roberta Jardim and Mayara Alves Bezerra, who were formerly at Milaré Advogados.

Brazil > Public law Tier 4

Cescon Barrieu boasts a wealth of experience handling both advisory and contentious public law matters. Regular instructions see the team advise on administrative contracts, PPPs, regulatory disputes and tender proceedings. Leading the team is Mário Saadi, who is frequently engaged in projects and administrative law matters in the ports, airports, motorways and urban mobility segments. He works alongside associate Matheus Palhares Vieira, who is trusted by concessionaires, state-owned and private companies seeking assistance with public contracts, bidding procedures, and concessions.

Brazil > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 4

Cescon Barrieu has a versatile restructuring and insolvency practice that represents debtors and creditors. Judicial reorganisations, DIP financings, distressed M&A, and debt restructurings are all core areas of activity for the department, which is jointly led by Alexandre Gossn Barreto, who is strong on the banking side, and Rio de Janeiro-based disputes partner Cinthia de Lamare. Following the departure of former practice head Fábio Rosas and José Luis de Rosa in late 2022, the restructuring and insolvency team was reinforced in May 2023 by the promotion of Esther Slud to partner and the recruitment of Daniel Longa from Enforce, both of whom are skilled in credit restructuring and credit recovery matters.

Brazil > TMT: Media Tier 4

Cescon Barrieu provides support in a variety of IP and commercial matters, with a primary focus on negotiating strategic media contracts for both domestic and international clients. The team, which has been increasingly sought out by clients from the sports segment, is often engaged in advertising claims before the courts and the regulator (CONAR), and also demonstrates strong capabilities in tax incentive matters and negotiations with ANCINE. Leading the practice is Tania Liberman, who is renowned for her expertise in contractual matters, particularly in the field of technology and data protection; she also possesses a solid track record in M&A and continues to provide advice to numerous entertainment and media clients on licensing agreements.

Brazil > TMT: Tech, innovation and digital business Tier 4

Able to call on M&A, venture capital, capital markets, IP and data protection experts, the technology practice at Cescon Barrieu is especially skilled in the negotiation of complex tech-related agreements. Practice head Tania Liberman specialises in contract negotiations and multijurisdictional deals in this space. Luiz Felipe Di Sessa is no longer at the firm.

Brazil > White-collar crime and investigations Tier 4

Founded in 2019, the compliance, white-collar and investigations group at Cescon Barrieu, which works closely with other firm-wide practices, regularly assists corporate clients in the identification of criminal risks and structuring of strategies in the context of capital markets, tax and environmental infractions. Typical instructions for the group also include defending clients in allegations of white-collar crimes before state and federal courts. Since publication, former practice head Yuri Sahione has left the firm, while compliance, white-collar crime and investigations specialist Filipe Magliarelli joined from KLA Advogados, effective as of January 2024.

Brazil > TMT: Telecoms